Waking up to find roaches crawling on your skin is one of the most terrifying experiences imaginable. The sensation of their spindly legs brushing against you as they scurry across your body is enough to make your skin crawl — both literally and figuratively speaking.
If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer to dealing with and preventing roaches from crawling on you: Keep your home clean and dry, seal any entry points, use baits and traps, and call an exterminator if needed. Also, address the root cause by fixing any plumbing or moisture issues.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore why roaches may crawl on sleeping people, how to stop them from doing it again, and methods for preventing and eliminating roach infestations altogether. You’ll learn why roaches are attracted to humans, safe DIY treatment options, when to call in professional help, and steps for keeping these pests out for good.
Why Roaches Crawl on Sleeping People
Attracted to Carbon Dioxide, Warmth and Sweat
Roaches are attracted to the carbon dioxide people exhale while breathing. Studies show roaches can detect carbon dioxide from over 60 feet away (Penn State Extension). They also gravitate toward warmth from body heat radiating at 98.6°F.
Furthermore, roaches are drawn to the salt and moisture content in human sweat.
Foraging for Food and Water
Roaches emerge at night to search for food and water. They are omnivores and will eat just about anything, including crumbs, grease, meat products and even book bindings. Since sleeping humans are motionless at night, roaches may crawl over them looking for morsels around the bed.
Roaches require water daily too, so they investigate moist areas like sweat on skin.
Hiding from Light
Cockroaches avoid light and are most active in darkness. When room lights are turned off at night, roaches leave their hiding places searching for food while homeowners sleep. Beds and sleeping bodies provide prime harborage sites for these nocturnal insects to move around undisturbed.
Overpopulation and Lack of Harborage Sites
Excessive roach populations lead to increased human contact. A National Pest Management Association survey found 61% of respondents saw cockroaches every day or week in infested homes. Without enough cracks and crevices to occupy, roaches spread to beds and furniture.
Males also roam farther when competing for mates in overcrowded conditions another reason for crawling on sleeping humans.
How to Stop Roaches from Crawling on You
Keep Bedding and Sleep Areas Clean
Roaches love to feed on food crumbs and organic matter near sleeping areas. Hence, it’s crucial to wash bed sheets, pillow cases, pajamas etc. weekly in hot water to remove food residues and body oils that attract these nasty insects.
Also, clean under the beds, mattresses, night stands and furniture using a vacuum to eliminate food particles and dust where cockroaches hide.
Seal Cracks and Crevices Near Sleeping Areas
Caulking cracks in walls, floors, cupboards, baseboards, etc. using silicone sealant blocks cockroach entry points. Pay special attention to openings behind and under refrigerators, stoves, sinks and pipes where roaches intrude. Steel wool stuffed in crevices also deters them.
Use Roach Baits and Traps
Place roach baits or traps with sticky glue boards near beds and sofas to capture foraging insects. For best results, use Maxforce gel baits or Combat bait stations which use fipronil and imidacloprid as active ingredients.
Avoid using harsh sprays or bombs which scatter the colonies making the infestation worse.
Apply Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a chalky powder containing sharp fossilized diatoms that lacerate the exoskeleton causing cockroaches to dehydrate and die. Lightly coat DE along baseboards, under appliances, cracks and crevices. Its abrasive texture deters roaches from crawling over treated areas.
DE is non-toxic and safe around kids and pets when dry.
Eliminating a Roach Infestation
Inspect for Signs of Roaches
The first step in getting rid of roaches is to thoroughly inspect your home for signs of an infestation. Check inside cabinets, under appliances, and in dark corners or crevices where roaches may be hiding.
Look for live or dead roaches, egg casings, and roach droppings which look like small black specks.
You can place glue boards or roach motels in areas where you suspect roach activity to confirm they are present. Finding where the bugs are coming from will help you target treatment more effectively.
Clean and Declutter
Roaches thrive in messy environments with available food sources and hiding spots. Do a deep clean of the infested area and remove all clutter. Vacuum and mop floors, wipe down countertops, clean inside cabinets, and take out the trash regularly.
Store food properly in sealed containers so roaches cannot get to it. Getting rid of the things roaches need – food, water, and shelter – will encourage them to leave.
Fix Moisture and Plumbing Issues
Leaks, drips, and high humidity attract roaches looking for water. Fix any leaks or clogs in appliances, pipes, sinks, etc. Use dehumidifiers or fans to lower moisture levels below 50%. This will make your home much less hospitable.
Seal Entry Points
Once inside, roaches can spread quickly if given the chance. Carefully seal any cracks or openings where they may be gaining access, especially around utility pipes and the foundation.
Use caulk, weather stripping, door sweeps, screens, and other sealants to close gaps 1/16 inch or larger. This keeps new roaches out and traps existing ones inside for removal.
Use Gel Baits and Boric Acid
Insecticide gels, powders containing boric acid, and boric acid bait strips can be highly effective at killing roaches. Place them along baseboards, under appliances, and in hard to reach areas.
Gels attract roaches which then ingest the insecticide and share it with or leave traces of it behind for others, resulting in population decline over time. Boric acid acts as a stomach poison if consumed.
Consider Professional Pest Control
For severe infestations, or if over-the-counter methods haven’t resolved the issue, professional pest control may be warranted. Exterminators have access to stronger chemical treatments and can target nesting areas you may have missed.
Fumigation tents, insect growth regulators, and bait formulas specifically tailored for roaches are some options an exterminator can provide. Though more costly, they have the tools and expertise to fully eradicate roach colonies.
Preventing Future Roach Infestations
Store Food Properly
One of the most effective ways to prevent future infestations of these unwelcome critters is to store all food properly. Roaches are attracted to food sources and will come looking if any is left out. Be sure to keep all dry goods like cereal, pasta, rice, etc.
sealed tightly in plastic or glass containers. Refrigerate any perishables and clean up crumbs or spills right away. Taking these basic food storage steps makes your home far less enticing to roaches prowling for their next meal.
Take Out Trash Frequently
Roaches love things that are rotting and smelly – like garbage! By taking your trash bags outside to the bins every night, you leave nothing tempting inside for roaches to feed on. You should also thoroughly wipe down the insides of your garbage cans periodically to remove any sticky spills or drips down the sides that roaches could nibble on.
Fix Leaks and Moisture Issues
Excess moisture is another environmental factor that can encourage roaches to move in. Do a thorough check for any water leaks under sinks or by pipes, as well as around tubs, showers, washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators with icemakers, or even the roof during rains.
Repair any leaks promptly. Also be mindful that everyday activities like cooking, showering, doing laundry, or just breathing and sweating indoors raises humidity levels that roaches find comfortable. Proper ventilation and dehumidification can help.
Seal Cracks and Crevices
Roaches are masters at squeezing themselves into the tiniest of spaces. Prevent them from sneaking inside by meticulously sealing any cracks, crevices or gaps along baseboards, where pipes enter walls, around wall outlets, attic entrances or windows with caulk.
Steel wool also makes an unpleasant barrier for roaches trying to wriggle through narrow openings.
Keep Clutter to a Minimum
Roaches love hiding out amid household clutter. Reduce their potential shelter spots by keeping counters clear, not leaving stacks of paper around, and cleaning out cabinets to get rid of unused items.
Store holiday decorations or infrequently used cookware/dishware in sealable bins rather than cardboard boxes. Get rid of unused cardboard altogether, along with piles of old newspapers, bags, rags or any other clutter that could offer roaches attractive harborage.
Use Natural Repellents
Certain natural substances have aromas or textures that roaches avoid, making them useful as barriers. Sprinkling ground bay leaves, cucumber peelings, citrus oils or vinegar around suspected entryways creates unpleasant fumes.
Dusts like food-grade diatomaceous earth or boric acid powder desiccate roaches’ shells. Set out small dishes with a mixture of baking soda and powdered sugar to tempt roaches – the baking soda gives them gas while the sugar makes it palatable.
There are lots of creative all-natural solutions for keeping roaches at bay without using harsh chemical pesticides.
Conclusion
While having roaches crawl on your body is an unsettling experience, there are many effective steps you can take to discourage these pests from sharing your bed. By keeping your home clean, sealing entry points, fixing moisture issues, and setting traps, you can stop roaches in their tracks and prevent future infestations.
Implementing integrated pest management strategies such as sanitation, trapping, and exclusion can help kick roaches to the curb for good. Don’t live in fear of roaches using you as a midnight snack source — take control by making your home as unwelcoming as possible to these unwanted crawling critters.
